The key to the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series victory was simple. A young, deep core of players who provided an offensive and defensive jolt daily. This core was full of familiar faces and fan favorites.
Red Sox Superstar Prospect Names Breakout Candidate
For starters, the outfield consisted of young star Andrew Benintendi (23), elite defensive centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (28), and the 2018 American League MVP Mookie Betts (25).
Furthermore, their infield was constructed around rising star shortstop Xander Bogaerts (25) and third-baseman Rafael Devers (21), competing in his first entire MLB season.
Fast forward to 2025, this trend seems to be repeating itself.
First off, the Sox’s found their new ace in 25-year-old Garret Crochet, acquired in December. Also, Brayan Bello (25) and Kutter Crawford (28) are young arms returning to the rotation behind Crochet.
Offensively, their lineup will be one of the youngest in the league. The lot of Triston Casas (25), Ceddanne Rafaela (24), Wilyer Abreu (25), Jarren Duran (28), and Rafael Devers (28) take up five of the nine starting spots.
And somehow, there’s still more. The Red Sox have the No. 1 rated farm system in the MLB, and their Top-3 team prospects all cracked the MLB’s Top-15 prospects list.
One name, Kristian Campbell, was recently labeled the “Breakout Candidate of the Year” by CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson. Campbell’s MLB ETA is 2025.
Who is Kristian Campbell
In 2023, the Red Sox took Campbell out of Georgia Tech in the fourth round. He was drafted as an outfielder with excellent range and wide-spread offensive tools. Interestingly enough, Campbell has found more of a role in the infield during his time in the minor leagues.
Initially, he was known for being a fast, twitchy player on offense who could chase down balls and steal bases. However, Campbell made a few adjustments to his swing before the 2024 season, and the results instantly launched him into top-prospect status.
After hitting only one home run in 2023, Campbell blasted 20 last season across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. He drove in 77 runs in 40 games, as opposed to 5 during his first season in 2023.
Campbell’s defense is excellent. His speed is also excellent, proven by the 21 stolen bases in 40 games last season. Now, he’s added the tools to also compete as an elite power-hitter at the MLB level. After two full minor league seasons, Campbell achieved a 0.329 batting average, 0.439 on-base percentage, and a 0.985 OPS.
Campbell has developed rapidly and become an extremely well-rounded prospect. He can play the infield and outfield, steal bases, and drive in runs. He’s everything the Red Sox need to incorporate into their young core in 2025. He’s even drawn young Mookie Betts comparisons due to his positional versatility, fast-paced style of play, and tenacity.
How Campbell Fits into the 2025 Red Sox’s Lineup
Regardless of where he plays, Campbell will make an impact with the glove and the bat. He made this excellent grab at second-base in the Sox’s first Spring Training game. Simply put, he can flat-out play.
Likely, second base is the spot he’ll wind up playing a majority in 2025. But Campbell has proven he’s willing to make any adjustments necessary to benefit the team.
Although newly acquired star Alex Bregman doesn’t mind playing second, his Gold Glove talent is needed at third base. Rafael Devers (should) receive more of a DH role in 2025, opening a spot at second base.
Competition has already started during Spring Training. However, the second is essentially Campbell’s spot to lose.
When the dust settles in mid-April, don’t just expect “Kristian Campbell” to be a regular name in the 2025 Red Sox lineup. Expect him to be an elite contributor on both offense and defense.
Main Photo Credits: WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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